560 - J. SMITH (1733–1759), King William II in the Oval, circa 1733, etching

J. SMITH (1733–1759), King William II in the Oval, circa 1733, etching James Smith (before 1733 – after 1759): Portrait of William II (Rufus), King of England, with death symbolism, c. 1733, etching Technique: Etching and copper engraving on paper Inscription: Signed in the lower right corner of the printing plate: “Jam. Smith Sculp.” Inscribed in the lower center of the printing plate: “K. WILLIAM II.” Numbered in the upper right corner of the printing plate: “Vol. I. Page 214.” Date: c. 1733 Description: The bust depicts King William II, known as “Rufus,” in a richly decorated oval cartouche with sheet ornaments, shown frontally with a slight three-quarter view. Crowned and clad in a simple robe, he wears a chain as a sign of office. Below the portrait are allegorical depictions of his violent death by an arrow and his corpse on a chariot—a rare example of early modern depictions of historical tragedy in the portrait of a ruler. Person: William Rufus; King William II of England (1056–1100, Lyndhurst, Hampshire) Keywords: William II; Rufus; King of England; Ruler’s portrait; Oval frame; Baroque engraving; Copper engraving; King’s chain; Crown; Historical depiction; Medieval king; Arrow and bow; Death scene; Symbolic death; Representation of the corpse; English monarchy; Ornamental cartouche; Weapons; Heraldic; Leopard coat of arms; 18th century; Baroque; Portraits; United Kingdom; Size: Paper: 39.1 cm x 24.4 cm (15.4 x 9.6 in), Plate: 38.8 cm x 23.9 cm (15.3 x 9.4 in), Image area: 38.3 cm x 23.7 cm (15.1 x 9.3 in) Condition: Good condition. The print is clear, with slight darkening of the paper. There are a few small stains at the bottom, as well as a small area of the print with a rubbed surface. The frame and details are well preserved. Reinforced on the reverse with a narrow surrounding paper margin.